My Dear Father
I have time before the car-
rier leaves for the office to write
only a line, to say I am well.
I did not write last week to you but
did to Lee, & told her to send you
word that I was well.
I received your letter of the 14th Nov
from you & mother of a previous
date. These are all I have received
from you since here.
We have orders to go into
winter quarters 15 miles from here
the day after tomorrow. The locality
I am told is 12 miles from the
railroad. I intended writing for
a box of clothes by this letter to
be sent to McHenry & Duprey
but as I don’t [know] what opportunities
I will have for getting it I
[page 2]
will wait until we get into our
new quarters. I have no means
of knowing what the fate of the
enemy is across the river – But
as afar as the eye can judge
they have certainly diminished
consi a great deal. I will
try & send you a sketch of the
battle field if I can make one.
I had done so before but have
not had an opportunity. I send
mother a piece of arbor vitae
taken from the yard of a Mr.
Bernard on the battle field – His
house & garden is a splendid one.
His library not a very full one
but splendidly selected. Every thing
was torn to pieces however
by the enemy. He is said to be
taken off by them, under arrest.
[page 3]
Do you augur good or bad
from the attempted resignation
of Seward. The carrier wants my letter. my best love dear
father to all.
Most affly yr. son
W. H. Perry, Jr.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
1862 December 18
My Dear Friend,
It gives me pleasure
to inform you that your son is safe. The
First Howitzers were posted in the very center
of the army – the company occupying the ex-
treme right of the left wing - & the highest nole
on in the range of hills on which our troops
were drawn up. The Howitzers fired the first
gun in Saturdays great fight - & continued to
fire & be fired at both close of the engage-
ment – In consequence of their lofty position
they were not rushed over by the enemy
at any period of the fight & strange to say
tho’ that as shell fell around them through-
out the fight one only was wounded
& he slightly. Thank God for the preservation
of our sons & again for our most glorious
victory. Genl Lee modestly computes the loss of
the Federals in killed & wounded at 11,000.
Secretary Benjamin says ( I am told) that their
slain were 18,000.
Very Respectfully, Gor. C. Stiles
MSS 7786-d
It gives me pleasure
to inform you that your son is safe. The
First Howitzers were posted in the very center
of the army – the company occupying the ex-
treme right of the left wing - & the highest nole
on in the range of hills on which our troops
were drawn up. The Howitzers fired the first
gun in Saturdays great fight - & continued to
fire & be fired at both close of the engage-
ment – In consequence of their lofty position
they were not rushed over by the enemy
at any period of the fight & strange to say
tho’ that as shell fell around them through-
out the fight one only was wounded
& he slightly. Thank God for the preservation
of our sons & again for our most glorious
victory. Genl Lee modestly computes the loss of
the Federals in killed & wounded at 11,000.
Secretary Benjamin says ( I am told) that their
slain were 18,000.
Very Respectfully, Gor. C. Stiles
MSS 7786-d
Thursday, December 15, 2011
1862 December 15
Decr. 15th 1862
Field Near Fredericksburg
My Dear Father
I have an opportunity to write a few lines
to-day – The papers will announce to you before
this reaches you that a battle has been fought – not
a decisive one however, though a fierce one. The enemy
of course was the attacking party. The situation I think
give as well as I can in a few words. Just above the
town the high hills on this side reach nearly to the river,
then receding rapidly they leave a flat about two miles wide
between them & the river, at the widest point perhaps – 2 ½ miles. Then
running parallel to the river for some distance they again
appear to the eye to approach it – The town is on the
upper end of this basin on the river bank. The hills
on this side are very steep frequently nearly perpen-
dicular.
On the 11th (Thursday’ the enemy commenced shelling the town with
great vigour – the pieces used I suppose numbering some
60 0r 80 – some of them quite heavy, apparently 30 pounder.
That evening our company was ordered to its present posi-
tion, which commands is a commanding view of nearly the
whole scene battle field – The next day, (Friday) the firing was
renewed & continued with equal vigour the greater part of the
day, destroying, a citizen tells me, two whole squares totally
by fire & of course battering many houses down & burning
them elsewhere than in these two squares. The town is now nearly a wreck. During
this time the enemy were laying down pontoon bridges opposite to
& below the town, which was feebly resisted by one or two
pieces of brigades at the several points. They entered the
town late that (the 12th) evening. I do not think we could well
have prevented them from crossing – the hills on the other
side of the river been running much nearer to it & brist-
ling with artillery. They commenced moving their
[page 2]
forces over in heavy bodies that evening across the different
bridges & continued doing so until late the next day. They
came almost without number. The Hills are cleared of
wood on the other side & we could have seen every thing that was
going on, but for a fog which obscured almost every
thing in the early part of the day. On the 13th. the battle began &
ended. The town was shelled this day as furiously by us as it had
been before by the enemy . Their (the enemy’s) troops, foot & artillery, occu-
pying the town in numbers, must have suffered intensely from
our artillery, many pieces (85 it is said) keeping up an inces-
sant firing on it. These pieces were many of them on the
bluffs almost overhanging the town. One hill, a position
of great strength, was five times attacked by the enemy,
who were signally repulsed with immense loss. Our
infantry were in a road winding around the foot of
the bluff upon which our batteries were stationed, pro-
tected by a rock fence about 4 or 5 feet high & several
feet thick. The enemy had to advance through an
open space to attack this & were slaughtered by our sol-
diers, while they were suffering very lightly. When night
closed upon them the enemy was being repulsed with his
last time. Of course fresh troops made each separate
charge, I mean of the enemy. Ours never changed their po-
sition & did not have to be relieved, but were reinforced
until the road was full of men each all loading & jumping
up & shooting as soon as they were loaded. This battle
was on our left wing. Our centre was not attacked –
consequently along here, & I am situated in the centre, there
was no fighting save with artillery. On the right the
attack was equally vigorous – and as signally repulsed, but
I am sorry to say with much greater loss to us. The
R Road on [word lined out] leaving town runs down the
river flat for some 3 miles or more & then runs
up a ravine to the right turning around the foot
[page 3]
of a steep hill in doing so. Just at this point the
enemy made the fight. We had some troops stationed along
the railroad – one or two brigades – we who were looking
on could not tell at the distance what the exact force was, but
could always tell nearly the amount. The enemy having
massed heavy bodies of infantry in front of this position opened along there with
a large number of artillery. One of the General’s
staff says there were 64 pieces. I thought it about that
number. The artillery, of ours opposite, of course replied.
After this had continued some hours, & heavy infantry
skirmishing had been all the while going on, the ene-
my threw forward a brigade which marched up &
fought handsomely. It was soon forced to halt
however by those of our troops along the railroad.
Two more of the enemy’s brigades were then
double-quicked forward to its support; these two
however soon faltered, & became a disorganized mass,
straggling to the rear. Still for a while the first
brigade stood manfully up & now they begin to
retire slowly – soon they too became entirely disorganized
& fly for the rear. These troops were met by a thick
line of the enemy’s skirmishers who tried in vain to stop
their rearward course with the bayonet. I have called
there three bodies of the enemy brigades – they, are
generally estimated to have been much larger
forces. But now the real attack was made. A long
line of the enemy, extending farther than the smoke
could allow the eye to reach, advanced, drove our
few troops who had fought so gallantly, from
the rail road & disappeared in the woods. Soon however
large numbers of men were seen coming out,
straggling to the rear & soon the whole line was
falling rapidly back in a good deal of disorder
[page 4]
which became worse & worse every moment as our artillerists
redoubled their efforts & cut them up terribly as they went
off towards the river concealed from view by the smoke
of their artillery & protected by its fire. Along our lines one
battery was conspicuous for the rapidity of its firing,
the accuracy of its shots & the fortitude with which it
sustained the concentrated fire of the enemy. This was
Captain Braxton’s battery from Fredericksburg. A
better cause never nerved men to better fighting. From this
time (about three P.M.) there was no more fighting at this point.
But farther down, the enemy’s fire was truly terrific. So much
is entire reliable. I have written so far only what I know
for I saw it. It is said, I have no doubt truly, that this
latter cannonading was to protect or assist another
attack still farther to our right where the enemy was as
easily repulsed. It is also stated that Jackson who com-
mands the right reports to General Lee that he has re-
pulsed the enemy easily. Another brilliant little fight,
between a brigade or ours & apparently a force of the same
size took place on our right still nearer to us. This was
Toombs former brigade. In this little fight I am disposed
to think we helped considerably as we opened with rapidity
at a pretty range & some apparent effect. Our battery was
engaged also the day before. The enemy was attempt-
ing to mass & mask their troops in a ravine just
to our right & front when the fog suddenly blew over &
5 or six of our batteries opened & they ske-
daddled to the rear. Our, I mean the confederate artillery,
very rarely attempt to fight the enemy’s batteries at long
taw. But whenever their infantry or artillery get well
within our range we open on them. We had yesterday
one of our battery very slightly, apparently wounded.
The loss on either side I am entirely unable to state.
The enemy’s probably as large or larger than at
at any one days fight during the war, if the reports
[Written in the top margin on page 3.]
which I hear of the battle of the right of our right wing be
true. Yesterday & to day only artillery firing on our extreme right
& left & a little picket firing has been going on. Yesterday
they sent about a dozen shots up here from a battery. What
[Written in the top margin on page 1.]
they are waiting for I can of course only conjecture – Appar-
ently their troops are still on the right & left wings. Tho’
I cant see as many. They may be concealed. You
see our position is a very strong one. The enemy’s troops
[Written in the top margin on page 2.]
are in position in the flat but seem to tend down to
our right. They do not seem to be fortifying much. We
have our infantry in rifle pits at the foot of the hills,
in front of us. They say all Yankeeland could not drive
them out & I believe them. I have not yet gotten a letter from you.
[Written in the side margin on page 2 and on page 3.]
The last was the 18th of last month. The position which our battery holds is comparatively safe & I do not think they will reach our position, so you need not feel uneasy.
[Written in the top margin on page 4.]
I am quite anxious to hear that you are all well
but attribute the delay in your letters exclusively to postal
deficiencies. Excuse haste, my very best love to all. Ever dear father
most affly yr son. W. H. Perry Jr. I think the enemy’s Check
was quite a serious one.
[Fragment dated 15 Dec. 1862.]
Since writing this morning evening I
learn upon reliable authority that
the hills do not reach the river
below here, but our lines leave
the hills & run to the river about
six miles below here. So that
the enemy can’t leave the low-
grounds below here coming this
way, I mean in the south side
without a fight. I don’t know
when I will have an opportunity
[page 2]
to send this. I have written in
haste the minutiae of the things oc-
curring around – too minutely perhaps –
If I had time I, perhaps, could
select things which would interest
you more, as it is I can’t. It is
thought by some that the enemy
is waiting for Seigle’s corps. It
is also said that the prisoners
taken say it was “fighting Joe Hooker”
who was so badly whipped on our
right. Generals T. Cobb & Maxy Gregg
were killed.
MSS 7786-d
Field Near Fredericksburg
My Dear Father
I have an opportunity to write a few lines
to-day – The papers will announce to you before
this reaches you that a battle has been fought – not
a decisive one however, though a fierce one. The enemy
of course was the attacking party. The situation I think
give as well as I can in a few words. Just above the
town the high hills on this side reach nearly to the river,
then receding rapidly they leave a flat about two miles wide
between them & the river, at the widest point perhaps – 2 ½ miles. Then
running parallel to the river for some distance they again
appear to the eye to approach it – The town is on the
upper end of this basin on the river bank. The hills
on this side are very steep frequently nearly perpen-
dicular.
On the 11th (Thursday’ the enemy commenced shelling the town with
great vigour – the pieces used I suppose numbering some
60 0r 80 – some of them quite heavy, apparently 30 pounder.
That evening our company was ordered to its present posi-
tion, which commands is a commanding view of nearly the
whole scene battle field – The next day, (Friday) the firing was
renewed & continued with equal vigour the greater part of the
day, destroying, a citizen tells me, two whole squares totally
by fire & of course battering many houses down & burning
them elsewhere than in these two squares. The town is now nearly a wreck. During
this time the enemy were laying down pontoon bridges opposite to
& below the town, which was feebly resisted by one or two
pieces of brigades at the several points. They entered the
town late that (the 12th) evening. I do not think we could well
have prevented them from crossing – the hills on the other
side of the river been running much nearer to it & brist-
ling with artillery. They commenced moving their
[page 2]
forces over in heavy bodies that evening across the different
bridges & continued doing so until late the next day. They
came almost without number. The Hills are cleared of
wood on the other side & we could have seen every thing that was
going on, but for a fog which obscured almost every
thing in the early part of the day. On the 13th. the battle began &
ended. The town was shelled this day as furiously by us as it had
been before by the enemy . Their (the enemy’s) troops, foot & artillery, occu-
pying the town in numbers, must have suffered intensely from
our artillery, many pieces (85 it is said) keeping up an inces-
sant firing on it. These pieces were many of them on the
bluffs almost overhanging the town. One hill, a position
of great strength, was five times attacked by the enemy,
who were signally repulsed with immense loss. Our
infantry were in a road winding around the foot of
the bluff upon which our batteries were stationed, pro-
tected by a rock fence about 4 or 5 feet high & several
feet thick. The enemy had to advance through an
open space to attack this & were slaughtered by our sol-
diers, while they were suffering very lightly. When night
closed upon them the enemy was being repulsed with his
last time. Of course fresh troops made each separate
charge, I mean of the enemy. Ours never changed their po-
sition & did not have to be relieved, but were reinforced
until the road was full of men each all loading & jumping
up & shooting as soon as they were loaded. This battle
was on our left wing. Our centre was not attacked –
consequently along here, & I am situated in the centre, there
was no fighting save with artillery. On the right the
attack was equally vigorous – and as signally repulsed, but
I am sorry to say with much greater loss to us. The
R Road on [word lined out] leaving town runs down the
river flat for some 3 miles or more & then runs
up a ravine to the right turning around the foot
[page 3]
of a steep hill in doing so. Just at this point the
enemy made the fight. We had some troops stationed along
the railroad – one or two brigades – we who were looking
on could not tell at the distance what the exact force was, but
could always tell nearly the amount. The enemy having
massed heavy bodies of infantry in front of this position opened along there with
a large number of artillery. One of the General’s
staff says there were 64 pieces. I thought it about that
number. The artillery, of ours opposite, of course replied.
After this had continued some hours, & heavy infantry
skirmishing had been all the while going on, the ene-
my threw forward a brigade which marched up &
fought handsomely. It was soon forced to halt
however by those of our troops along the railroad.
Two more of the enemy’s brigades were then
double-quicked forward to its support; these two
however soon faltered, & became a disorganized mass,
straggling to the rear. Still for a while the first
brigade stood manfully up & now they begin to
retire slowly – soon they too became entirely disorganized
& fly for the rear. These troops were met by a thick
line of the enemy’s skirmishers who tried in vain to stop
their rearward course with the bayonet. I have called
there three bodies of the enemy brigades – they, are
generally estimated to have been much larger
forces. But now the real attack was made. A long
line of the enemy, extending farther than the smoke
could allow the eye to reach, advanced, drove our
few troops who had fought so gallantly, from
the rail road & disappeared in the woods. Soon however
large numbers of men were seen coming out,
straggling to the rear & soon the whole line was
falling rapidly back in a good deal of disorder
[page 4]
which became worse & worse every moment as our artillerists
redoubled their efforts & cut them up terribly as they went
off towards the river concealed from view by the smoke
of their artillery & protected by its fire. Along our lines one
battery was conspicuous for the rapidity of its firing,
the accuracy of its shots & the fortitude with which it
sustained the concentrated fire of the enemy. This was
Captain Braxton’s battery from Fredericksburg. A
better cause never nerved men to better fighting. From this
time (about three P.M.) there was no more fighting at this point.
But farther down, the enemy’s fire was truly terrific. So much
is entire reliable. I have written so far only what I know
for I saw it. It is said, I have no doubt truly, that this
latter cannonading was to protect or assist another
attack still farther to our right where the enemy was as
easily repulsed. It is also stated that Jackson who com-
mands the right reports to General Lee that he has re-
pulsed the enemy easily. Another brilliant little fight,
between a brigade or ours & apparently a force of the same
size took place on our right still nearer to us. This was
Toombs former brigade. In this little fight I am disposed
to think we helped considerably as we opened with rapidity
at a pretty range & some apparent effect. Our battery was
engaged also the day before. The enemy was attempt-
ing to mass & mask their troops in a ravine just
to our right & front when the fog suddenly blew over &
5 or six of our batteries opened & they ske-
daddled to the rear. Our, I mean the confederate artillery,
very rarely attempt to fight the enemy’s batteries at long
taw. But whenever their infantry or artillery get well
within our range we open on them. We had yesterday
one of our battery very slightly, apparently wounded.
The loss on either side I am entirely unable to state.
The enemy’s probably as large or larger than at
at any one days fight during the war, if the reports
[Written in the top margin on page 3.]
which I hear of the battle of the right of our right wing be
true. Yesterday & to day only artillery firing on our extreme right
& left & a little picket firing has been going on. Yesterday
they sent about a dozen shots up here from a battery. What
[Written in the top margin on page 1.]
they are waiting for I can of course only conjecture – Appar-
ently their troops are still on the right & left wings. Tho’
I cant see as many. They may be concealed. You
see our position is a very strong one. The enemy’s troops
[Written in the top margin on page 2.]
are in position in the flat but seem to tend down to
our right. They do not seem to be fortifying much. We
have our infantry in rifle pits at the foot of the hills,
in front of us. They say all Yankeeland could not drive
them out & I believe them. I have not yet gotten a letter from you.
[Written in the side margin on page 2 and on page 3.]
The last was the 18th of last month. The position which our battery holds is comparatively safe & I do not think they will reach our position, so you need not feel uneasy.
[Written in the top margin on page 4.]
I am quite anxious to hear that you are all well
but attribute the delay in your letters exclusively to postal
deficiencies. Excuse haste, my very best love to all. Ever dear father
most affly yr son. W. H. Perry Jr. I think the enemy’s Check
was quite a serious one.
[Fragment dated 15 Dec. 1862.]
Since writing this morning evening I
learn upon reliable authority that
the hills do not reach the river
below here, but our lines leave
the hills & run to the river about
six miles below here. So that
the enemy can’t leave the low-
grounds below here coming this
way, I mean in the south side
without a fight. I don’t know
when I will have an opportunity
[page 2]
to send this. I have written in
haste the minutiae of the things oc-
curring around – too minutely perhaps –
If I had time I, perhaps, could
select things which would interest
you more, as it is I can’t. It is
thought by some that the enemy
is waiting for Seigle’s corps. It
is also said that the prisoners
taken say it was “fighting Joe Hooker”
who was so badly whipped on our
right. Generals T. Cobb & Maxy Gregg
were killed.
MSS 7786-d
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
1861 Dec[ember] 9 Camp near Fredericksburg
My Dear Father
I received last night, a let-
ter from home – but almost as old as
the hills – it was dated the 18th of last
month – written at Richmond & directed to
Culpeper Court House – a month ago
minus 10 days. I don’t know why
your letters are so long delayed –
You might be more particular in
your direction which would probably
expedite their coming – Say in your
direction ‘Gen. Barksdale’s Brigade’. And
Mr. Laws’ division might be added – this
latter is hardly necessary however.
I have no news to write – Not even a
rumor has disturbed our quiet since
we have been in this neighbourhood.
I only write to tell how often I think
of you all. I wish very much I could
spend a short time at home this
winter – But there is no prospect of a
furlough – we may after a while
go into winter quarters – but that
even is doubtful. It will probably
depend on the enemy’s movements.
[page 2]
I hardly think Burnside will attempt
to attack us in front of our present
position – A change of base would be
very tedious, if nothing more at this
time of the year. Jackson has been
in the neighbor hood nearly a week.
Our army was never in better if as
good fighting order – they are confi-
dent of success should Burnside
attempt to cross or to fight us on an
equal field – All express a desire to
fight now rather than delay till
spring.
What do you think of the
letter of the correspondent of the
London Times written from Rich-
mond – notwithstanding slight inaccu-
racies it will give the Europeans a
good idea of things over here.
Do you think Napoleon will
let the matter drop so quietly
after he has over taken it in
hand? What is the pay of the
office for which Lan is an
expectant? Give my very best
love to Mother, George & all – I hope
soon to get one of your letters which I know
is coming over here. Ever dear father – most
aff. yr. son W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written in the top margin on page 1:
“Do you know where a good cook, a free negro,
could be had – we want one for our mess – A
good negro even if he were without experience
as a cook would answer – The mess is willing to give
15 or I reckon 20 dollars per month.”
I received last night, a let-
ter from home – but almost as old as
the hills – it was dated the 18th of last
month – written at Richmond & directed to
Culpeper Court House – a month ago
minus 10 days. I don’t know why
your letters are so long delayed –
You might be more particular in
your direction which would probably
expedite their coming – Say in your
direction ‘Gen. Barksdale’s Brigade’. And
Mr. Laws’ division might be added – this
latter is hardly necessary however.
I have no news to write – Not even a
rumor has disturbed our quiet since
we have been in this neighbourhood.
I only write to tell how often I think
of you all. I wish very much I could
spend a short time at home this
winter – But there is no prospect of a
furlough – we may after a while
go into winter quarters – but that
even is doubtful. It will probably
depend on the enemy’s movements.
[page 2]
I hardly think Burnside will attempt
to attack us in front of our present
position – A change of base would be
very tedious, if nothing more at this
time of the year. Jackson has been
in the neighbor hood nearly a week.
Our army was never in better if as
good fighting order – they are confi-
dent of success should Burnside
attempt to cross or to fight us on an
equal field – All express a desire to
fight now rather than delay till
spring.
What do you think of the
letter of the correspondent of the
London Times written from Rich-
mond – notwithstanding slight inaccu-
racies it will give the Europeans a
good idea of things over here.
Do you think Napoleon will
let the matter drop so quietly
after he has over taken it in
hand? What is the pay of the
office for which Lan is an
expectant? Give my very best
love to Mother, George & all – I hope
soon to get one of your letters which I know
is coming over here. Ever dear father – most
aff. yr. son W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written in the top margin on page 1:
“Do you know where a good cook, a free negro,
could be had – we want one for our mess – A
good negro even if he were without experience
as a cook would answer – The mess is willing to give
15 or I reckon 20 dollars per month.”
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
1862 Nov[ember] 29 [from near Fredericksburg]
Nov. 29th 1862
My Dear Father
I have not received a letter from
you since we got to this place. And one of
the company, who has entered a substitute,
leaves tomorrow & I take the opportunity
to send a letter. Every thing is quiet. I never got
to Fredbg., not being allowed to go. But some
of our company muster up a sufficient
excuse to take them there occasionally – they
say the enemy’s pickets stand in full view
on the other side of the river, which is
here about two hundred yards & ours on
this side. The town looks almost as if
it was deserted. The citizens are returning
slowly to town. The shelling of the cars,
which I wrote to you of, scared one lady to
death. She was however sick before.
You inquired if the army was much
destitute. I can not give a satisfactory
answer. Longstreet’s whole corps is here – but
I have seen only a few save those who
are in our brigade. Of these a good
many are without shoes. They do not
appear to be much in need of other
clothes – unless they would like to wash
[page 2]
and change clothes; then I suppose they have
no change. Socks I fear are not used
much. Tents are not used – but flys –you
saw one fly around Richmond. Indeed
the infantry have none of these – I
suppose they could be procured, but
the infantry could not transport them
& would lose them on the first move. The
authorities seem to be more anxious than
heretofore to furnish them & are supply-
ing some – but not enough - hitherto she[?]
has[?] been very negligent in that de-
partment as well as in the commis-
sary – this latter does not improve – all
a soldier draws is meat, flower & a little
salt. A Colonel of a Mississippi regi-
ment said a few days since that
there were two hundred men in his reg-
iment without shoes – I did not believe
him. He also said they had subscribed
1500 dollars for purchasing them privately.
If mother has any homespun flannel
a very good over shirt could be made out
of it if she could dye it. Brown or a lead
culler or any dark culler would do. Please
ask her to make such a shirt, for an
outer shirt, if it is convenient to dye
[page 3]
it. But do not let her give herself any
trouble – I will not probably want them for
some time but when convenient if she will
make those articles. I will call for them
when I want them.
There were two crops of wheat about
in Culpeper where I went along-
The farmers not having the means
to get it out of the straw – conse-
quently, I suppose, we could not
bring it & had to leave it behind.
Sunday 30th
My Dear Father
Night caught me last
night before I could finish it writing.
Mr. Bradly starts immediately so I can
write no more. The mail came
just now, but no letter for me from
home. Our cook is sick, & I
am cook to day. We bought a
turkey yesterday for 2 dollars
& I must devise some way of
cooking it. None of our
cooking utensils are large enough
except a camp boiler & it has
been suggested to boil it.
Farewell Dear Father
W. H. Perry, Jr.
[page 4]
There is nothing new this mor-
ning. Give my best love to Mother, George & all.
Does Lan’s health improve?
My Dear Father
I have not received a letter from
you since we got to this place. And one of
the company, who has entered a substitute,
leaves tomorrow & I take the opportunity
to send a letter. Every thing is quiet. I never got
to Fredbg., not being allowed to go. But some
of our company muster up a sufficient
excuse to take them there occasionally – they
say the enemy’s pickets stand in full view
on the other side of the river, which is
here about two hundred yards & ours on
this side. The town looks almost as if
it was deserted. The citizens are returning
slowly to town. The shelling of the cars,
which I wrote to you of, scared one lady to
death. She was however sick before.
You inquired if the army was much
destitute. I can not give a satisfactory
answer. Longstreet’s whole corps is here – but
I have seen only a few save those who
are in our brigade. Of these a good
many are without shoes. They do not
appear to be much in need of other
clothes – unless they would like to wash
[page 2]
and change clothes; then I suppose they have
no change. Socks I fear are not used
much. Tents are not used – but flys –you
saw one fly around Richmond. Indeed
the infantry have none of these – I
suppose they could be procured, but
the infantry could not transport them
& would lose them on the first move. The
authorities seem to be more anxious than
heretofore to furnish them & are supply-
ing some – but not enough - hitherto she[?]
has[?] been very negligent in that de-
partment as well as in the commis-
sary – this latter does not improve – all
a soldier draws is meat, flower & a little
salt. A Colonel of a Mississippi regi-
ment said a few days since that
there were two hundred men in his reg-
iment without shoes – I did not believe
him. He also said they had subscribed
1500 dollars for purchasing them privately.
If mother has any homespun flannel
a very good over shirt could be made out
of it if she could dye it. Brown or a lead
culler or any dark culler would do. Please
ask her to make such a shirt, for an
outer shirt, if it is convenient to dye
[page 3]
it. But do not let her give herself any
trouble – I will not probably want them for
some time but when convenient if she will
make those articles. I will call for them
when I want them.
There were two crops of wheat about
in Culpeper where I went along-
The farmers not having the means
to get it out of the straw – conse-
quently, I suppose, we could not
bring it & had to leave it behind.
Sunday 30th
My Dear Father
Night caught me last
night before I could finish it writing.
Mr. Bradly starts immediately so I can
write no more. The mail came
just now, but no letter for me from
home. Our cook is sick, & I
am cook to day. We bought a
turkey yesterday for 2 dollars
& I must devise some way of
cooking it. None of our
cooking utensils are large enough
except a camp boiler & it has
been suggested to boil it.
Farewell Dear Father
W. H. Perry, Jr.
[page 4]
There is nothing new this mor-
ning. Give my best love to Mother, George & all.
Does Lan’s health improve?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
1861 November 23
2 Miles of Fredericksburg
My Dear Father
Your letter reached me just before I left
Culpeper – I had answered before this but have
been so situated that I could not. We left Culpeper
Tuesday morning about day & after three days of
most disagreeable marching reached this neighbor-
hood. Since then we have been so constantly
moving about, cutting roads &c. that I have
not had an opportunity, until now, to write.
Our division came down – Lee & Longstreet came
along – the officers of this company think the
latter’s whole corps is here also – I suppose this is
at present the threatened point. Yesterday Day be-
fore yesterday the town was summoned to sur-
render, Lee declined. The women & children were
given until five last evening to leave. All day
yesterday they were leaving by every means of
conveyance. A good many really nice ladies,
(apparently), were walking, some of these quite old.
It was truly a distressing sight – all seemed
however in fine spirits, the most of them
laughing & gay as usual. From appearances
I think Lee intends to [word lined out] make some fight
[page 2]
should the enemy attempt to cross just here – It
seems to me however it could be easily turned by
the enemy a few miles below this place with the
assistance of their gun boats. I thought from
your last letter that you seemed to think the
enemy was between General Lee’s army & Richmond.
This is ^ ‘or was’ not so. Jackson & Longstreet each command
corps – each corps is commonly estimated at about
40,000. I have had no opportunity of estimating
their strength. These two corps embrace
the army of the Potomac – Jackson’s I suppose
is still in the Valley. General Pendleton insis-
ted on making us horse artillery & offered us the
very best equipment the Confederacy could
furnish but it was declined – Another com-
munication came to McCarthy to the same
effect at General Lee’s special desire but was again
declined – We were to be put with his son’s bri-
gade, Lan’s old colonel, this brigade has just
been formed – The 9th Va. has been exchanged
for & put into it. I will want of clothes –
An outer shirt – I suppose however you all will
be unable to furnish that & I can probably get
one on as good terms as you can. Also a pr of
pants. – one or two ^ ‘or three’ pair socks. One under flannel Shirt –
I do not want any of these at present & I could not carry
them & would lose them. I can not write any more just now. I will
try & write again soon. My best love to all. most affly
Yr son W. H. Perry Jr.
[Written in the top margin on page one: ]“Direct to this place – My dear father I wish to see
you very much & often think of you all. I would
write more now but the orderly sergeant is just about to
leave for head-quarters & by him I must send this.”
My Dear Father
Your letter reached me just before I left
Culpeper – I had answered before this but have
been so situated that I could not. We left Culpeper
Tuesday morning about day & after three days of
most disagreeable marching reached this neighbor-
hood. Since then we have been so constantly
moving about, cutting roads &c. that I have
not had an opportunity, until now, to write.
Our division came down – Lee & Longstreet came
along – the officers of this company think the
latter’s whole corps is here also – I suppose this is
at present the threatened point. Yesterday Day be-
fore yesterday the town was summoned to sur-
render, Lee declined. The women & children were
given until five last evening to leave. All day
yesterday they were leaving by every means of
conveyance. A good many really nice ladies,
(apparently), were walking, some of these quite old.
It was truly a distressing sight – all seemed
however in fine spirits, the most of them
laughing & gay as usual. From appearances
I think Lee intends to [word lined out] make some fight
[page 2]
should the enemy attempt to cross just here – It
seems to me however it could be easily turned by
the enemy a few miles below this place with the
assistance of their gun boats. I thought from
your last letter that you seemed to think the
enemy was between General Lee’s army & Richmond.
This is ^ ‘or was’ not so. Jackson & Longstreet each command
corps – each corps is commonly estimated at about
40,000. I have had no opportunity of estimating
their strength. These two corps embrace
the army of the Potomac – Jackson’s I suppose
is still in the Valley. General Pendleton insis-
ted on making us horse artillery & offered us the
very best equipment the Confederacy could
furnish but it was declined – Another com-
munication came to McCarthy to the same
effect at General Lee’s special desire but was again
declined – We were to be put with his son’s bri-
gade, Lan’s old colonel, this brigade has just
been formed – The 9th Va. has been exchanged
for & put into it. I will want of clothes –
An outer shirt – I suppose however you all will
be unable to furnish that & I can probably get
one on as good terms as you can. Also a pr of
pants. – one or two ^ ‘or three’ pair socks. One under flannel Shirt –
I do not want any of these at present & I could not carry
them & would lose them. I can not write any more just now. I will
try & write again soon. My best love to all. most affly
Yr son W. H. Perry Jr.
[Written in the top margin on page one: ]“Direct to this place – My dear father I wish to see
you very much & often think of you all. I would
write more now but the orderly sergeant is just about to
leave for head-quarters & by him I must send this.”
Thursday, November 10, 2011
1862 Nov[ember] 10 2 Miles of Culpeper
My Dear Father
I had written to you several days
ago, but my situation has been such that I
could not well do so. I came to this place a
few days ago. Immediately before that I
made a scout with our two guns as
far as warrenton springs. we left about 3 P.M.
& marched until 10 ½ P.M. the water falling nearly
all the time. We however camped that night
in an abandoned female school & soon dried
& slept finely. The next day we returned - the distance
was about 18 miles. Upon returning we found
our brigade & the other section of our company.
We belong to Longstreet’s Corps all of which is now
here I think. The rest, which is embraced in to
Jackson’s corps, is I suppose still in the Valley
of the Shenandoah. I do not know what
stand is intended to be made here. Our po-
sition the other side of the Court House
was taken by a battery from Norfolk – they
have been engaged with the enemy nearly
all day across the Rappahannock – with
what effect I don’t know. Stuart with
his cavalry has been fighting the ene-
my for nearly a week & falling back
before them. this looks as if the object
[page 2]
was to decoy them as far as possible
into the interior. I was over to the cavalry
camp last evening to see the Lunenburg
cavalry – A large portion of the company was
there – not being out on active duty from
the want of horses – the latter seemed in a
very bad condition – suffering from scratches &
black tongue ( they called it) & with a scarcity
of food for them. Dr. Knight had just
received a notice that a resignation which
he had forwarded was accepted. Lan is
therefore captn. of the company. Stith
Bolling is the only officer with the
company. Indeed the only one they have
except Lan. Wm Atkinson was without
a horse & wishes to start home after one soon
and to brin carry Lan’s with him wh:
had such a sore foot that I advised him
not to attempt it until his foot was
better.
We have had proposed to turn our
company into horse-artillery & joint the s
cavalry brigade – our Captn. declined that
offer.
I got from Richmond about a
week ago, the box wh: mother sent me –
before I left Richmond – the sweet potatoes was
all that was in a sound state save the
whisky Brandy – they were very fine – The
[page 3]
brandy was also very good – I thought
as good as I ever tasted; & better judges
than I am pronounced it very fine.
Morning of Nov 11th
My Dear Father we are about to
send into town this moment & I must
close to send by this opportunity – for
the last four days we have had to
keep our horses harnessed & hitched
ready to move at any moment. Here
is: h Every thing is quiet this morning
however. My best love to all –
In haste most affe.
W.H. Perry, Jr.
I had written to you several days
ago, but my situation has been such that I
could not well do so. I came to this place a
few days ago. Immediately before that I
made a scout with our two guns as
far as warrenton springs. we left about 3 P.M.
& marched until 10 ½ P.M. the water falling nearly
all the time. We however camped that night
in an abandoned female school & soon dried
& slept finely. The next day we returned - the distance
was about 18 miles. Upon returning we found
our brigade & the other section of our company.
We belong to Longstreet’s Corps all of which is now
here I think. The rest, which is embraced in to
Jackson’s corps, is I suppose still in the Valley
of the Shenandoah. I do not know what
stand is intended to be made here. Our po-
sition the other side of the Court House
was taken by a battery from Norfolk – they
have been engaged with the enemy nearly
all day across the Rappahannock – with
what effect I don’t know. Stuart with
his cavalry has been fighting the ene-
my for nearly a week & falling back
before them. this looks as if the object
[page 2]
was to decoy them as far as possible
into the interior. I was over to the cavalry
camp last evening to see the Lunenburg
cavalry – A large portion of the company was
there – not being out on active duty from
the want of horses – the latter seemed in a
very bad condition – suffering from scratches &
black tongue ( they called it) & with a scarcity
of food for them. Dr. Knight had just
received a notice that a resignation which
he had forwarded was accepted. Lan is
therefore captn. of the company. Stith
Bolling is the only officer with the
company. Indeed the only one they have
except Lan. Wm Atkinson was without
a horse & wishes to start home after one soon
and to brin carry Lan’s with him wh:
had such a sore foot that I advised him
not to attempt it until his foot was
better.
We have had proposed to turn our
company into horse-artillery & joint the s
cavalry brigade – our Captn. declined that
offer.
I got from Richmond about a
week ago, the box wh: mother sent me –
before I left Richmond – the sweet potatoes was
all that was in a sound state save the
whisky Brandy – they were very fine – The
[page 3]
brandy was also very good – I thought
as good as I ever tasted; & better judges
than I am pronounced it very fine.
Morning of Nov 11th
My Dear Father we are about to
send into town this moment & I must
close to send by this opportunity – for
the last four days we have had to
keep our horses harnessed & hitched
ready to move at any moment. Here
is: h Every thing is quiet this morning
however. My best love to all –
In haste most affe.
W.H. Perry, Jr.
Monday, October 31, 2011
1862 Oct[ober] 31 Brandy Station, Culpeper County
My Dear Father
We fell back three miles – to this place a few
days since, in consequence of our infantry support
being withdrawn = Georgia regiment – it was ordered to
Richmond – here there is a regiment of Cavalry – Our
pickets extend to the 2d. station this side of Manassas.
A party of Yankees tried to cut off the cars a short
time since but did not succeed & we took 22 prisoners.
The army news is of some importance if true.
It represents Jackson having gone into Maryl-
and & found no Yanks – hence it is presumed they
have gone to the South – side – At any rate it is true
that General Lee arrived at Culpeper C. H. last
evening – wh: presages, I reckon, the falling back
of his army. I suppose McClellan is preparing for
a late fall if not a winter campaign.
Mother’s letter of the 20th was received several days
ago. Her plan to have the box at Mck & Duprey’s sent
back home I reckon would be the best. I see no
probability that I can get it soon, if at all. Con-
tinue to direct your letters to Culpeper C. H.
We are now encamped in a house, on a very large
& fine farm. Owned & occupied by a Mr. Miller until the
war commenced. Formerly the place was quite a
cultivated one I imagine. There are fine falls in the
garden &c. &c. indicating some taste but seem
to have been very much neglected of late years.
James Barbour’s pl residence or his residence before the
war is about one mile from here – quite a handsome
brick building. Nearly all the country here is
open & stuck with grass – Timothy predominating –
f large fields of this is left uncut. The Yankees
[page 2]
not allowing our the citizens to cut it, when they
were at home & could procure the means. It is not
necessary I suppose for me to say that the people
in these counties are as warm & as universally in our
cause as in any other portion of the Confederacy
whatever..
Wrote to Ms K & Duprey a few days
since for 10 dollars. Separated from our brigade we
have been unable to draw any money for four
months wh: is now owed us by the government.
An officer has now gone to Winchester to day &
draw it for us. He is a expected back in a few
days. We have had some quite heavy frosts
but to day it is quite warm. We are camped on
a hill with a full view of the mountains & would
have a beautiful view but for the eye sore of
yankee devastation.
It is now a little over one year since I entered
the army & a sad expe-rience it has proved. The diffi-
culties & inconveniences are not regarded when they are once
over – but the sad feelings & sights will never be for-
gotten or as ^ ‘the Rev’ D. C. Harrison said those bloody cuts were
too deep. &c.&c. He said in one of his last letters that
he was always cheerful but never felt anything
like gaiety of spirits & then assigned the above reasons.
I see no prospect whatever of a termination of the
war for some time. A young man in our
company received yesterday a letter from his brother
in New York City – He sais [says] that in New York there
is as much a civil war as there ever was any where
all but the actual resort to arms. A private letter, re-
ceived, by a northern member, from New Haven repre-
sents a similar state of feeling there. But you know
that I do not hope good from this service. My dearest father
Give my best love to all. Affly yr. son W. H. Perry Jr.
We fell back three miles – to this place a few
days since, in consequence of our infantry support
being withdrawn = Georgia regiment – it was ordered to
Richmond – here there is a regiment of Cavalry – Our
pickets extend to the 2d. station this side of Manassas.
A party of Yankees tried to cut off the cars a short
time since but did not succeed & we took 22 prisoners.
The army news is of some importance if true.
It represents Jackson having gone into Maryl-
and & found no Yanks – hence it is presumed they
have gone to the South – side – At any rate it is true
that General Lee arrived at Culpeper C. H. last
evening – wh: presages, I reckon, the falling back
of his army. I suppose McClellan is preparing for
a late fall if not a winter campaign.
Mother’s letter of the 20th was received several days
ago. Her plan to have the box at Mck & Duprey’s sent
back home I reckon would be the best. I see no
probability that I can get it soon, if at all. Con-
tinue to direct your letters to Culpeper C. H.
We are now encamped in a house, on a very large
& fine farm. Owned & occupied by a Mr. Miller until the
war commenced. Formerly the place was quite a
cultivated one I imagine. There are fine falls in the
garden &c. &c. indicating some taste but seem
to have been very much neglected of late years.
James Barbour’s pl residence or his residence before the
war is about one mile from here – quite a handsome
brick building. Nearly all the country here is
open & stuck with grass – Timothy predominating –
f large fields of this is left uncut. The Yankees
[page 2]
not allowing our the citizens to cut it, when they
were at home & could procure the means. It is not
necessary I suppose for me to say that the people
in these counties are as warm & as universally in our
cause as in any other portion of the Confederacy
whatever..
Wrote to Ms K & Duprey a few days
since for 10 dollars. Separated from our brigade we
have been unable to draw any money for four
months wh: is now owed us by the government.
An officer has now gone to Winchester to day &
draw it for us. He is a expected back in a few
days. We have had some quite heavy frosts
but to day it is quite warm. We are camped on
a hill with a full view of the mountains & would
have a beautiful view but for the eye sore of
yankee devastation.
It is now a little over one year since I entered
the army & a sad expe-rience it has proved. The diffi-
culties & inconveniences are not regarded when they are once
over – but the sad feelings & sights will never be for-
gotten or as ^ ‘the Rev’ D. C. Harrison said those bloody cuts were
too deep. &c.&c. He said in one of his last letters that
he was always cheerful but never felt anything
like gaiety of spirits & then assigned the above reasons.
I see no prospect whatever of a termination of the
war for some time. A young man in our
company received yesterday a letter from his brother
in New York City – He sais [says] that in New York there
is as much a civil war as there ever was any where
all but the actual resort to arms. A private letter, re-
ceived, by a northern member, from New Haven repre-
sents a similar state of feeling there. But you know
that I do not hope good from this service. My dearest father
Give my best love to all. Affly yr. son W. H. Perry Jr.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
1861 October 22 Culpeper Co
My Dear Mother,
The dull
monotonous camp life we were
leading at Culpepper C. H. contin-
ues – tho’ a little changed the lo-
cation we are about 10 miles
from that place – having moved
several days ago – on the
R.R. just where it crosses
the Rapohannock & about
8 [miles]from the Warrenton Junc-
tion. I received father’s two
letters of the 6th & 13th 5 days
ago. Continue to direct to Culpr.
Court House. We draw our
mail thence. Occasionally
companies or regiments are sent
on the cars farther on but
they make no stay.
I saw yesterday 4 miles
lower down the river at
Kelly’s ford – Kelly’s Mills, the
[page 2]
place factory I believe from
which you used to get woolen
goods. There are none to be had
there now however. This
country immediately along here
on the line of march of the
enemies & our army is complete-
ly devastated – But going off
a little it is not so much so.
The houses are generally deser-
ted or if the owner is at home
only partially cultivated. The
Rapahonnock [as spelled] has bottoms
at least a mile in width &
covered with fine hay which
has been only partially
preserved. We get butter at
50 cents, milk & butter – milk
rather high. That These
articles are about all we are
able to purchase for love or
money. There would be no
safety whatever in sending
me any clothes now. But if you
[page 3]
have any keep them & I will
let you know when to send
them & how. I will want some
this winter – especially a pr. of pants –
these were “fixing” to make when
I was at home. I could not
carry any more clothes than I
have now even if I had them.
I will also want socks before
any- thing else & an outer yarn [?]
shirt ^ ‘ after later’ I think it probable
the jacket you made me
last winter will last this
winter. The Democrats seem
to be carrying the north in their
elections. I doubt very much
if it does us any good – more
than probable it will do
us harm. They are at least
as much for war as the
Republicans I reckon. Here is
a fine opportunity to talk
politicks, I mean war politicks,
but letters were made not
for that purpose – I had rather
[page 4]
write & be written to about
something else. Father men-
tions the fact that the people are
quite despondent. Never was any
people so prone to despondency.
So much so that I some times
think or rather fear the
southern people are not as
brave as they might be. It
is remarkable that not with-
standing the soldiers desire
peace so much they mind a
reverse much less. I can’t tell
how much Lee’s army is suffer-
ing from want of clothes &c.
But I expect the accounts you
hear are too nearly true. But
certe [ certes or verily] the commissary is most
fraudulently administered.
The box you sent me in still
in Richmond– I told a young man
who remained in Richmond to bring
it when he could – he will probably
do so. I also told him to open it
& destroy whatever was in it that
would injure. My dear Mother give my
best love to father, George & all.
Farewell & affly.
Yr. son, W. H. Perry Jr.
The dull
monotonous camp life we were
leading at Culpepper C. H. contin-
ues – tho’ a little changed the lo-
cation we are about 10 miles
from that place – having moved
several days ago – on the
R.R. just where it crosses
the Rapohannock & about
8 [miles]from the Warrenton Junc-
tion. I received father’s two
letters of the 6th & 13th 5 days
ago. Continue to direct to Culpr.
Court House. We draw our
mail thence. Occasionally
companies or regiments are sent
on the cars farther on but
they make no stay.
I saw yesterday 4 miles
lower down the river at
Kelly’s ford – Kelly’s Mills, the
[page 2]
place factory I believe from
which you used to get woolen
goods. There are none to be had
there now however. This
country immediately along here
on the line of march of the
enemies & our army is complete-
ly devastated – But going off
a little it is not so much so.
The houses are generally deser-
ted or if the owner is at home
only partially cultivated. The
Rapahonnock [as spelled] has bottoms
at least a mile in width &
covered with fine hay which
has been only partially
preserved. We get butter at
50 cents, milk & butter – milk
rather high. That These
articles are about all we are
able to purchase for love or
money. There would be no
safety whatever in sending
me any clothes now. But if you
[page 3]
have any keep them & I will
let you know when to send
them & how. I will want some
this winter – especially a pr. of pants –
these were “fixing” to make when
I was at home. I could not
carry any more clothes than I
have now even if I had them.
I will also want socks before
any- thing else & an outer yarn [?]
shirt ^ ‘ after later’ I think it probable
the jacket you made me
last winter will last this
winter. The Democrats seem
to be carrying the north in their
elections. I doubt very much
if it does us any good – more
than probable it will do
us harm. They are at least
as much for war as the
Republicans I reckon. Here is
a fine opportunity to talk
politicks, I mean war politicks,
but letters were made not
for that purpose – I had rather
[page 4]
write & be written to about
something else. Father men-
tions the fact that the people are
quite despondent. Never was any
people so prone to despondency.
So much so that I some times
think or rather fear the
southern people are not as
brave as they might be. It
is remarkable that not with-
standing the soldiers desire
peace so much they mind a
reverse much less. I can’t tell
how much Lee’s army is suffer-
ing from want of clothes &c.
But I expect the accounts you
hear are too nearly true. But
certe [ certes or verily] the commissary is most
fraudulently administered.
The box you sent me in still
in Richmond– I told a young man
who remained in Richmond to bring
it when he could – he will probably
do so. I also told him to open it
& destroy whatever was in it that
would injure. My dear Mother give my
best love to father, George & all.
Farewell & affly.
Yr. son, W. H. Perry Jr.
Monday, October 10, 2011
1862 October 9 Culpeper C. H.
My Dear Father
We came here last Monday
having laid over one day – Sunday –at
Rapid Ann Station, i. e. where that river
is crossed by the Alexandria & Gordonsville
R. R. We averaged 18 miles a day. The
men did not suffer any on the march
except a few from sore feet. We had
fine weather – one or two days being rather
warm for comfort. Seven miles from
this place we came on the battle
field of Cedar River or more properly
slaughter’s mountain – The battle being
on the foot of this mountain –
Jackson’s position was a splendid one.
The mountain is a considerable one
Its base is open – the sides higher up & its
top covered with woods – in the latter
Jackson had his forces safely massed
& masked partially - & it is of great im-
portance to find a place of safety in
which to put the army when the battle
is beginning & to keep the reserves
near at hand & fresh when wanted.
Not having any such place within
[page 2]
several miles damaged us a good-
deal at Malvern Hills. The finely used
artillery of the enemy generally fills the
country with shell in open country
for that distance. Thus Jackson had
a fine position sweeping the open land
in front with his artillery & able to see
every movement of the enemy. Even
had either of his wings been turned
it would not have mat[t]ered much.
I think it is intended to keep
us here, if the officer command-
ing the front has the power. There
were previously two pieces here man-
ned by infantry companies – They were
sent off this morning _ I suppose
we are considered as taking their
place. The officer has indeed made
some remark indicating or rather
stated positively that he had been
wanting some good artillery for
some time & now he had it he would
keep it. There are here two regiments
of cavalry & three or four companies
of artillery infantry. We have alarms
of course frequently as is always the
case on advanced posts – this is hardly
I suppose such a post. The alarm
[page 3]
we have just had seems to have been
caused by a small body of cavalry 1500
strong & one piece of artillery which is now
believed to [be] 12 miles from here on the
Rap[p]ahannock. Our force is almost
13 hundred all told. Tell mother I did
not get my box – but that one of our
company who is in Richmond & had
not yet come up told me he would
try & get it when he came up – I
expect him every day. If we stay
here any time I will have a few oppor-
tunity of making some lady acquaint-
tances – but I don’t know whether
I will take advantage of it or not.
My mind is so slow that it gen-
erally fails to please ladies. I
don’t expect there are any very pretty
ones in town, but some who from
their position ought to be ^ ‘very’ intelligent.
The people here are quite down
upon the [words lined out] Yankees, who
behaved very badly destroying all
the gardens &c around town & swear-
ing at the women, they made them-
selves particularly obnoxious to that
sex. The country here is a most
splendid one – the soil & rivers resem-
[page 4]
ble Albemarle country very much.
But the land does not seem to be as
rich – however in its present delopi-
dated condition I ought not to judge
it. It certainly does not appear as
well as it did when I passed through
it last spring. We now have our
camp within 150 yards from the
place we spent a week in last
spring. We get the papers here every
day very regularly in the evening of
the day on which they are published.
I am almost sorry I chose the
whig for you – it seems to me to
have become a good deal
duller than ever. You know
however that I never fan-
cied it much. Our position does
not afford any advantages of
knowing the movements of troops
or different plans in view &c.
We have to rely on the papers more
than ever. My dear father my
great regret on leaving Richmond
was that it would place me
farther from the dear ones
at home. I have not yet received
a letter since leaving Richmond – di-
rect to this place. With my best love
to mother & George. With much love
W. H. Perry, Jr.
We came here last Monday
having laid over one day – Sunday –at
Rapid Ann Station, i. e. where that river
is crossed by the Alexandria & Gordonsville
R. R. We averaged 18 miles a day. The
men did not suffer any on the march
except a few from sore feet. We had
fine weather – one or two days being rather
warm for comfort. Seven miles from
this place we came on the battle
field of Cedar River or more properly
slaughter’s mountain – The battle being
on the foot of this mountain –
Jackson’s position was a splendid one.
The mountain is a considerable one
Its base is open – the sides higher up & its
top covered with woods – in the latter
Jackson had his forces safely massed
& masked partially - & it is of great im-
portance to find a place of safety in
which to put the army when the battle
is beginning & to keep the reserves
near at hand & fresh when wanted.
Not having any such place within
[page 2]
several miles damaged us a good-
deal at Malvern Hills. The finely used
artillery of the enemy generally fills the
country with shell in open country
for that distance. Thus Jackson had
a fine position sweeping the open land
in front with his artillery & able to see
every movement of the enemy. Even
had either of his wings been turned
it would not have mat[t]ered much.
I think it is intended to keep
us here, if the officer command-
ing the front has the power. There
were previously two pieces here man-
ned by infantry companies – They were
sent off this morning _ I suppose
we are considered as taking their
place. The officer has indeed made
some remark indicating or rather
stated positively that he had been
wanting some good artillery for
some time & now he had it he would
keep it. There are here two regiments
of cavalry & three or four companies
of artillery infantry. We have alarms
of course frequently as is always the
case on advanced posts – this is hardly
I suppose such a post. The alarm
[page 3]
we have just had seems to have been
caused by a small body of cavalry 1500
strong & one piece of artillery which is now
believed to [be] 12 miles from here on the
Rap[p]ahannock. Our force is almost
13 hundred all told. Tell mother I did
not get my box – but that one of our
company who is in Richmond & had
not yet come up told me he would
try & get it when he came up – I
expect him every day. If we stay
here any time I will have a few oppor-
tunity of making some lady acquaint-
tances – but I don’t know whether
I will take advantage of it or not.
My mind is so slow that it gen-
erally fails to please ladies. I
don’t expect there are any very pretty
ones in town, but some who from
their position ought to be ^ ‘very’ intelligent.
The people here are quite down
upon the [words lined out] Yankees, who
behaved very badly destroying all
the gardens &c around town & swear-
ing at the women, they made them-
selves particularly obnoxious to that
sex. The country here is a most
splendid one – the soil & rivers resem-
[page 4]
ble Albemarle country very much.
But the land does not seem to be as
rich – however in its present delopi-
dated condition I ought not to judge
it. It certainly does not appear as
well as it did when I passed through
it last spring. We now have our
camp within 150 yards from the
place we spent a week in last
spring. We get the papers here every
day very regularly in the evening of
the day on which they are published.
I am almost sorry I chose the
whig for you – it seems to me to
have become a good deal
duller than ever. You know
however that I never fan-
cied it much. Our position does
not afford any advantages of
knowing the movements of troops
or different plans in view &c.
We have to rely on the papers more
than ever. My dear father my
great regret on leaving Richmond
was that it would place me
farther from the dear ones
at home. I have not yet received
a letter since leaving Richmond – di-
rect to this place. With my best love
to mother & George. With much love
W. H. Perry, Jr.
Friday, September 30, 2011
1862 Sept[embe]r 30 Near Camp Lee
My Dear Mother –
Your letter came last night – I am very
much obliged to you for the box – whether I get it or not –
The latter is doubtful as we leave at eight this
morning. A friend has however gone to town
to get it here by that time if he can for
me. I am sorry you sent brandy in it,
for several reasons. I never enjoy it in camp
& it does those who drink it more harm than
good. It will however be enjoyed. I am particu-
larly obliged for the socks. I was wishing last
evening for a pair. We lost two men at the
battle of Sharpsburg – one killed – the other wound-
ed & a prisoner. My dear mother I have not
time to write more give my best love father
George & all – We go to Culpepper C. H.; there
we expect to report to a cavalry officer
who escorts us to the army. You must not
be uneasy if you do not hear from me
for a fortnight for while on the march
it will be almost impossible to write.
Most affectionately yr. son
W.H. Perry, Jr.
Your letter came last night – I am very
much obliged to you for the box – whether I get it or not –
The latter is doubtful as we leave at eight this
morning. A friend has however gone to town
to get it here by that time if he can for
me. I am sorry you sent brandy in it,
for several reasons. I never enjoy it in camp
& it does those who drink it more harm than
good. It will however be enjoyed. I am particu-
larly obliged for the socks. I was wishing last
evening for a pair. We lost two men at the
battle of Sharpsburg – one killed – the other wound-
ed & a prisoner. My dear mother I have not
time to write more give my best love father
George & all – We go to Culpepper C. H.; there
we expect to report to a cavalry officer
who escorts us to the army. You must not
be uneasy if you do not hear from me
for a fortnight for while on the march
it will be almost impossible to write.
Most affectionately yr. son
W.H. Perry, Jr.
Friday, September 23, 2011
1862 Sept[ember] 23 Richmond [Virginia]
Sept. 23d 1862
My Dear Father
We are still here – we
worked until 9 o’ck. P. M. last Wednesday
preparing to march the next day,
when orders came from General
Smith ordering us not to go. It is said
his reason was that he is ordered to
send no more artillery to that army.
Our troops from around here
are said to have gone down towards
Suffolk – from which place it is
said the Yanks are retreating.
We have guns, horses etc & are only
awaiting orders in order to march –
Capt McCarthy had filed a petition
for special orders in view of our
peculiar position – to wh: petition
he has as yet received no reply (that
I am aware of) so that the time
upon when we will leave seems to
be as indefinite as ever.
Yesterday the people of Richd. were
very foolishly & causlessly (I think)
[page 2]
looking as blue as indigo in
consequence of the news from
the army – the general opinion
being that Lee had been whipped.
They seem to have cheered up tho’
in consideration of later accounts.
Our parole system seems to work
badly – the Yankees virtually brea-
king their oath. You doubtless
see the account that their paroled
prisoners will be sent to fight
the Indians, thus releasing as
many soldiers from there to
fight us. The same is done in
& around New York City where
thousands of paroled men are
employed to do what otherwise
soldiers would have to do.
The news which comes in this
evening of the total destruction
of the 10 thousand Pa. Militia, into
whose hands the Yanks said our
whole army was to fall & the
news from the west wh: claims
the defeat of Buell whether it be
true or not has created a good deal
of enthusiasm –
[page 3]
24th I was called off to drill last
evening & could not send this letter to
you – I have however nothing
to add that will interest you – we
are not allowed to visit town just
now as they arrest soldiers regard-
less of passes. – The news from the
West is not as good as was rep-
resented to me before writing
yesterday – but seems good. But I
am not going to bore you on
the subject of the war –
Should the war stop now we would
have a very pretty record to show –
we have paroled I think about
fifty thousand more yankee’s than
they have of our men. We
had at the beginning of the
Richmond fights 5 thousand the
advantage of the enemy. And
since have captured about 50:000
wh: allows 5:000 as an offset to the
yankee captures. We have also captured
about 250 pieces artillery.
You said nothing of Richard in
your last letter. I presume he
[page 4]
continues to improve. Tell Mother
her shirt was a very nice one &
I keep as a sort of soldier’s
Sunday shirt – Tho’ we are
not quite as much Sunday
soldiers as when you were
down – Being excluded Rrd. &
having two & three drills in a
hot dusty field every day, save
Sunday.
Mr. Yancy sends his compliments
& says he is anxiously expecting
the big news you told him
of.
I am of the opinion that Lee did
not cross the Potomac because he
was whipped but other reasons com-
pelled it. The fact however is a
suspicious one.
I hope my dear father
to get a letter from you this evening
or tomorrow. Give my best love
to Mother, George & all.
25th. I have not yet been able to get my
letter off – but will try to do so to day.
Nothing new that would interest you.
Affly yr son,
W.H. Perry, Jr.
MSS 7786-d
My Dear Father
We are still here – we
worked until 9 o’ck. P. M. last Wednesday
preparing to march the next day,
when orders came from General
Smith ordering us not to go. It is said
his reason was that he is ordered to
send no more artillery to that army.
Our troops from around here
are said to have gone down towards
Suffolk – from which place it is
said the Yanks are retreating.
We have guns, horses etc & are only
awaiting orders in order to march –
Capt McCarthy had filed a petition
for special orders in view of our
peculiar position – to wh: petition
he has as yet received no reply (that
I am aware of) so that the time
upon when we will leave seems to
be as indefinite as ever.
Yesterday the people of Richd. were
very foolishly & causlessly (I think)
[page 2]
looking as blue as indigo in
consequence of the news from
the army – the general opinion
being that Lee had been whipped.
They seem to have cheered up tho’
in consideration of later accounts.
Our parole system seems to work
badly – the Yankees virtually brea-
king their oath. You doubtless
see the account that their paroled
prisoners will be sent to fight
the Indians, thus releasing as
many soldiers from there to
fight us. The same is done in
& around New York City where
thousands of paroled men are
employed to do what otherwise
soldiers would have to do.
The news which comes in this
evening of the total destruction
of the 10 thousand Pa. Militia, into
whose hands the Yanks said our
whole army was to fall & the
news from the west wh: claims
the defeat of Buell whether it be
true or not has created a good deal
of enthusiasm –
[page 3]
24th I was called off to drill last
evening & could not send this letter to
you – I have however nothing
to add that will interest you – we
are not allowed to visit town just
now as they arrest soldiers regard-
less of passes. – The news from the
West is not as good as was rep-
resented to me before writing
yesterday – but seems good. But I
am not going to bore you on
the subject of the war –
Should the war stop now we would
have a very pretty record to show –
we have paroled I think about
fifty thousand more yankee’s than
they have of our men. We
had at the beginning of the
Richmond fights 5 thousand the
advantage of the enemy. And
since have captured about 50:000
wh: allows 5:000 as an offset to the
yankee captures. We have also captured
about 250 pieces artillery.
You said nothing of Richard in
your last letter. I presume he
[page 4]
continues to improve. Tell Mother
her shirt was a very nice one &
I keep as a sort of soldier’s
Sunday shirt – Tho’ we are
not quite as much Sunday
soldiers as when you were
down – Being excluded Rrd. &
having two & three drills in a
hot dusty field every day, save
Sunday.
Mr. Yancy sends his compliments
& says he is anxiously expecting
the big news you told him
of.
I am of the opinion that Lee did
not cross the Potomac because he
was whipped but other reasons com-
pelled it. The fact however is a
suspicious one.
I hope my dear father
to get a letter from you this evening
or tomorrow. Give my best love
to Mother, George & all.
25th. I have not yet been able to get my
letter off – but will try to do so to day.
Nothing new that would interest you.
Affly yr son,
W.H. Perry, Jr.
MSS 7786-d
Monday, September 19, 2011
1862 September 16 Near Camp Lee
My Dear Mother
I received late saturday evening
your letter. Richard’s case seems a stubborn one.
I called for my box as early as possible mon-
day morning. Found it had been sent
to camp Lee Saturday evening, but as
it has merely my name & did not mention
the howitzers they did not know what
to do with it. The tomattoes [tomatoes] were nearly
all spoiled & the peaches ditto. Straw was
a bad thing to put them in, in such
hot weather. They would however
doubtless ^ ‘have’ been good had I gotten
them Saturday. I was quite sorry
to see so good a peach lost.
You must not attempt again
to send any thing of the kind.
Ninety nine times ^ ‘in a hundred’ they will be spoil-
ed before I get them. You depart-
ed from my rule in requesting
M. & F. to send them out to me.
I carried yesterday to the Dulle Depot a
[page 2]
box which they told me would go up
this morning. I did not send it by express
The freight is pd. It contained a big
coat – the one I wore last winter. It was
mostly to save that that I sent ^ ‘the box’, and 8
bottles – one you must fill with brandy
as father promised – 4 blankets – two
pr. old pants & two caps, one old jacket.
These things were better to pack
with than straw & I thought would
be of use to the little negroes. One
(the white) blanket if you will
have it washed is a very nice one.
I gave $6.00 for it in Leesburg – the
other three I got from the Yankeys.
The big coat turns rain splendidly.
Tell father I got another the
other day at the govt. store for 20 dol-
lars, which I am afraid will not
be as good a one. My Bill came to
44 ¾ dollars. Big coat 20, Blankets one for. $10
one for 7. Shoes 4 ½. Shirt 2 ¼. This will however
not be paid until the next time
[page 3]
I draw my pay & as I expect them
also to draw my 50 dollars bounty
I will not want for money. I will
need these things this winter & will be
so far from Richd. when I want
them that it will be impossible to
get then with our poor means of
conveyance. The govt. seems to have
risen in its prices considerably. We are
however drawing some knapsacks
gratis – I shall carry my old one (if I
get my new one.) & send up with me
Yankee knapsack & coat & vest
which you left with me. You can
put the old knapsack to any
use you see fit. Perhaps by
cutting it up the oil cloth might
be made useful.
I did not see Miss Booker after you
left nor did I think you would accuse
me of being smitten with her.
Yr. comparison of course I can’t
assent to. If you should
[page 4]
see the one while in Nottoway
you will of course change yr.
opinion. We expect to start for
the army Thursday morning. I
reckon we will start then. We
have our horses & the cannon are
ready but have to be tested today
I believe.
I chose the whig for you also
It gave me a good deal of
trouble to decide. The Examiner
is more ably edited & has more in it.
But I am disposed to think the
less we read of such papers the bet-
ter. And there were other reasons
why I preferred the Whig, or rather
why I did not prefer the exr. tho one
is I don’t see how it can continue un-
less it can get printers soon.
Ask father to write me what he wd.
think of a transfer to the Lunen-
burg cavalry for me? I think in
some respects it would suit me
[continued on the top of page one][
better, tho’ I am very much pleased
with my company. Direct yr. letters to me
1st H. Co. 3rd Brigade, 2nd. Division
Army North Va.
Dear mother farewell my best love
to all Ever affly. yr. son W. H. Perry, Jr.
[continued on the top of page two]
The bullet button on my big coat is
one I cut from a tree on the Leesburg
battlefield where Baker was killed.
The button ^ ‘was’ off my coat so
I made one of that. At Malvern Hills
the coat was lying on the limber chest
by me & a shell ripped the button hole
entirely out I ripped the seam wh. runs
from it some distance & tore it
slightly between the seam as you will see.
[continued on the top of page four]
The box I send is the one you sent
to me time before the last
Monday, August 29, 2011
1862 August 27
My Dear Father
The monotonous life we are living here
close by Richmond, affords nothing to write which wd.
interest you. The left section ( half) of our company
has joined the division, having procured two little
sic pound pieces. It is still uncertain when we
will get guns or horses. As we get guns of larger
caliber we have to add four ^ ‘more’ horses to each piece
That part wh. has left is probably in or about
Fredericksburg I suppose; as I hear the division
is there. Our army of course has nearly entirely left
the vicinity of Richmond, very few being left below.
Pope it seems is trying to do what I have feared
i.e. fall back upon the Potomac. I hope Lee (or Jack-
son, the latter seems to be the moving spirit) will
be able to force a fight & victory before he
reaches there. You know Lee is now in com-
mand of that army. Johnson (J. E.) is still
in Amelia. I have frequently an opportunity
of going to town & of course when I do, attend
the meetings of Congress. Miles of South Carolina [William Porcher Miles]
seem to have more attention paid him, when he
speaks or gives an opinion than any other mem-
ber. Whether it is because of superior ability or
his position as chman. of the Military Comtee [committee]. I do not know.
He is however a man of good judgment appa-
rently. Of small statue & dressed in either a gray
or blue coat: with short gray whiskers. He
speaks slowly & with some difficulty, apparently
that of a foreigener. Foot who is always
up is a short thick set man with bald head & red
face & of a vulgar appearance. Bococke presides
in the house with ease dignity & readiness.
[page 2]
Lyons of Richmond is thought by some to represent
the President – a man of the greatest possible
vanity. A member from Georgia introduced
a motion of enquiry yesterday whether it was not
better to withdraw our commissioners from Europe.
As it was agst. confederate dignity longer to keep
them there & the English Queen having declared
her determination not to recognize us, while
at the same time her ministers admitted we
established a right to it &c&c. The motion to inquire
was unanimously carried. You ^ ‘will’ see probably
in the papers a statement by a member from
Louisiana of a discovery in his state of salt in
a pure state & inexhaustible quantity, but the
owner he said was not disposed to make
much use of it or appreciate its worth. You
are aware that companies from differ-
ent states are putting up works at the mines
in Washington county. Still I expect you
could purchase it cheaper now than later
when the time for salting bacon comes, if
you could purchase it at all at the works
of which there is some doubt. Our comp-
any has recruited from among the conscripts
at Camp Lee a good many as drivers, so that
our company numbers about 112 now. Until I
leave Richmond do not designate that I belong
to any company in directing your letters or
they will be sent to the Brigade – but simply
as to a citizen = W. H. Perry, Richmond, Va. I have
not heard from home since leaving save
by the enclosed note. If you have written they
have gone to the division. My Dear father
farewell. Sincerely your son
W.H. Perry Jr.
The monotonous life we are living here
close by Richmond, affords nothing to write which wd.
interest you. The left section ( half) of our company
has joined the division, having procured two little
sic pound pieces. It is still uncertain when we
will get guns or horses. As we get guns of larger
caliber we have to add four ^ ‘more’ horses to each piece
That part wh. has left is probably in or about
Fredericksburg I suppose; as I hear the division
is there. Our army of course has nearly entirely left
the vicinity of Richmond, very few being left below.
Pope it seems is trying to do what I have feared
i.e. fall back upon the Potomac. I hope Lee (or Jack-
son, the latter seems to be the moving spirit) will
be able to force a fight & victory before he
reaches there. You know Lee is now in com-
mand of that army. Johnson (J. E.) is still
in Amelia. I have frequently an opportunity
of going to town & of course when I do, attend
the meetings of Congress. Miles of South Carolina [William Porcher Miles]
seem to have more attention paid him, when he
speaks or gives an opinion than any other mem-
ber. Whether it is because of superior ability or
his position as chman. of the Military Comtee [committee]. I do not know.
He is however a man of good judgment appa-
rently. Of small statue & dressed in either a gray
or blue coat: with short gray whiskers. He
speaks slowly & with some difficulty, apparently
that of a foreigener. Foot who is always
up is a short thick set man with bald head & red
face & of a vulgar appearance. Bococke presides
in the house with ease dignity & readiness.
[page 2]
Lyons of Richmond is thought by some to represent
the President – a man of the greatest possible
vanity. A member from Georgia introduced
a motion of enquiry yesterday whether it was not
better to withdraw our commissioners from Europe.
As it was agst. confederate dignity longer to keep
them there & the English Queen having declared
her determination not to recognize us, while
at the same time her ministers admitted we
established a right to it &c&c. The motion to inquire
was unanimously carried. You ^ ‘will’ see probably
in the papers a statement by a member from
Louisiana of a discovery in his state of salt in
a pure state & inexhaustible quantity, but the
owner he said was not disposed to make
much use of it or appreciate its worth. You
are aware that companies from differ-
ent states are putting up works at the mines
in Washington county. Still I expect you
could purchase it cheaper now than later
when the time for salting bacon comes, if
you could purchase it at all at the works
of which there is some doubt. Our comp-
any has recruited from among the conscripts
at Camp Lee a good many as drivers, so that
our company numbers about 112 now. Until I
leave Richmond do not designate that I belong
to any company in directing your letters or
they will be sent to the Brigade – but simply
as to a citizen = W. H. Perry, Richmond, Va. I have
not heard from home since leaving save
by the enclosed note. If you have written they
have gone to the division. My Dear father
farewell. Sincerely your son
W.H. Perry Jr.
Friday, August 26, 2011
1862 August 26
Dear Mother
Upon opening your letter I found 25
dollars – I have kept it – but only for awhile if
as I anticipate I can do very well without it.
For I can not consent to take thus the proceeds
of your labor. But be assured I appreciate
your kind intention in giving it to me.
I called Friday morning at Mc Kinney &
Duprey’s but they had not heard from you. I
requested a friend to inquire again on Monday
if there was a box for me. He reported it had been
sent to me. I called myself the next day & found the
two notes had been sent to McKinney & D’s which
I indorse: The fellow drove up in a wagon
& got it. I know no such man as [--]
so you see it was a deliberate theft. The
[page 2]
fellow was quick – he got it out the day
it arrived. Was your letter sent by mail? It was
handed me just as it is by Mr. D. having no
envelope. I am quite sorry to lose the contents.
But much more that you should have worked
to so little purpose, & for the benefit of so
consummate a rogue. How the fellow man-
aged to get the note of yours I don’t know.
I am extremely sorry to hear of Richard’s
[this line is in the fold and not discernible]
improve. Write soon. Affectionately yr. son,
W. H. Perry, Jr.
P. S. Tell father that Duprey told me to tell him that
he received three bls. of flourer [flour] from him. It
was injured - sour & was condemned by the
inspector. I saw the [-]. He said he had
not succeeded in selling
it. If there was any molas-
ses he said he could sell
it to make molasses cakes
but there is none.
Friday, August 19, 2011
1862 August 19
Dear Mother
I found our camp
last evening had moved about
the half of a mile north east
of the Camp Lee. There is with
us no more speedy prospect
of getting our guns – One or two
smooth bore 6 pounders we can
get, but will have to wait
until the others are made.
One of them was cast yes-
terday. I fell in last evening
with the funeral process-
sion of Gen. Winder last
evening he is son of the
R[ichmon]d. General – this is the
only opportunity I may
have to send to R[ichmon]d. to day
so Dear mother farewell.
My best love to Father, George
& all. Our camp is a very
pleasant one. We will not
[page 2]
be here less than ten days
I reckon.
Affec. yr. son
W. H. Perry Jr.
[“Brig. Gen. Charles Sidney Winder was frightfully mangled by a shell at Cedar Mt. on Aug. 9, 1862, and died within a few hours.” – Generals in Gray by Warner]\
Perry's "son of Richmond general" is obscure. Winder was the nephew of U. S. Naval officer Franklin Buchanan and a cousin of Confederate General John H. Winder.
I found our camp
last evening had moved about
the half of a mile north east
of the Camp Lee. There is with
us no more speedy prospect
of getting our guns – One or two
smooth bore 6 pounders we can
get, but will have to wait
until the others are made.
One of them was cast yes-
terday. I fell in last evening
with the funeral process-
sion of Gen. Winder last
evening he is son of the
R[ichmon]d. General – this is the
only opportunity I may
have to send to R[ichmon]d. to day
so Dear mother farewell.
My best love to Father, George
& all. Our camp is a very
pleasant one. We will not
[page 2]
be here less than ten days
I reckon.
Affec. yr. son
W. H. Perry Jr.
[“Brig. Gen. Charles Sidney Winder was frightfully mangled by a shell at Cedar Mt. on Aug. 9, 1862, and died within a few hours.” – Generals in Gray by Warner]\
Perry's "son of Richmond general" is obscure. Winder was the nephew of U. S. Naval officer Franklin Buchanan and a cousin of Confederate General John H. Winder.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
1862 June 30 Richmond [Virginia]
6 a.m.
My Dear Father:
We camped or stayed
here last night in Yankee breast
works, having pursued McSellans’s [McClellan’s]
retreating forces so far. Should the
thing stop where it is now – we
have in effect & in fact ob-
tained a splendid victory. But
Lee seems to wish to annihilate
the Yankee army & is all around
them – The only difficulty is that
over extended lines may enable
to cut through, tho’ with heavy
[page 2]
loss at some point & escape.
We pursued him slowly, intention-
ally not pushing him until Jack-
son has with Walker fixed him-
self entirely on the other side. They
fought whenever we overtook
them - & there was skirmishing
all the way. Our Brigade was
3d from the front rank. But
just before sundown the infant-
ry portion of it was hotly engaged
with the Yanks for a short time.
The country does not admit
of much use of artillery to
a pursuing force. And the ar-
[page 3]
tiller attached to the front
brigade monopolized that, & a
heavy iron casemated gun on
a car on the R. R. pushed by
an engine. We are just on the R. Rd.
& have kept close by it all the
way. The quantity of
plunder left in our lines un-
destroyed is immense, tho’ the
Doodles burned & blew up
immense stores all the way,
not having time to burn any
that was separate from the
piles of stores all this scattered
fell into our hands. As for
the soldiers apparel, big coats
oil cloths, knap sacks &c &c
of splendid quality they are
[page 4]
immeasureable. Do not send
me paper. I have plenty of
Yankee paper & envelopes.
This is yankee on wh. I
write.
All the prisoners I have
seen, save one, including
even officers seem de-
lighted at being cap-
tured & I have seen several
hundred. I only wrote [or ‘write’] to
save you from any un-
easiness. I have not time to
write anything of interest. I
had saved a great many
little trinkets as prizes, had
I had an opportunity to
send them home. Poor
General Griffith! soon
after we left camp yes-
[page 5] terday had a part of his
thigh torn off by the frag-
ment of a Yankee shell.
Thus he was the first to suf-
fer in his iron brigade. I have
not heard from him since yes-
terday – his life was not then
despaired of. How sorry I am.
The movements of our lines
we can learn only by rumour.
Some one is about leaving
for camp. I must close as
I want this to reach you
as soon as possible. My dear-
[page 6]
est father farewell – may
heaven bless you & all.
Ever affly. yr. son
W. H. Perry, Jr.
P. S. Poor Genl. Griffith, he is
dead – I was about to close
when I heard it.
W. H. P.
Brig. General Richard Griffith was wounded at the battle of Savage’s Station, June 29, 1862, and died on the 30th.
For a Union soldier's account of the Seven Days Battle see the diary entries of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
My Dear Father:
We camped or stayed
here last night in Yankee breast
works, having pursued McSellans’s [McClellan’s]
retreating forces so far. Should the
thing stop where it is now – we
have in effect & in fact ob-
tained a splendid victory. But
Lee seems to wish to annihilate
the Yankee army & is all around
them – The only difficulty is that
over extended lines may enable
to cut through, tho’ with heavy
[page 2]
loss at some point & escape.
We pursued him slowly, intention-
ally not pushing him until Jack-
son has with Walker fixed him-
self entirely on the other side. They
fought whenever we overtook
them - & there was skirmishing
all the way. Our Brigade was
3d from the front rank. But
just before sundown the infant-
ry portion of it was hotly engaged
with the Yanks for a short time.
The country does not admit
of much use of artillery to
a pursuing force. And the ar-
[page 3]
tiller attached to the front
brigade monopolized that, & a
heavy iron casemated gun on
a car on the R. R. pushed by
an engine. We are just on the R. Rd.
& have kept close by it all the
way. The quantity of
plunder left in our lines un-
destroyed is immense, tho’ the
Doodles burned & blew up
immense stores all the way,
not having time to burn any
that was separate from the
piles of stores all this scattered
fell into our hands. As for
the soldiers apparel, big coats
oil cloths, knap sacks &c &c
of splendid quality they are
[page 4]
immeasureable. Do not send
me paper. I have plenty of
Yankee paper & envelopes.
This is yankee on wh. I
write.
All the prisoners I have
seen, save one, including
even officers seem de-
lighted at being cap-
tured & I have seen several
hundred. I only wrote [or ‘write’] to
save you from any un-
easiness. I have not time to
write anything of interest. I
had saved a great many
little trinkets as prizes, had
I had an opportunity to
send them home. Poor
General Griffith! soon
after we left camp yes-
[page 5] terday had a part of his
thigh torn off by the frag-
ment of a Yankee shell.
Thus he was the first to suf-
fer in his iron brigade. I have
not heard from him since yes-
terday – his life was not then
despaired of. How sorry I am.
The movements of our lines
we can learn only by rumour.
Some one is about leaving
for camp. I must close as
I want this to reach you
as soon as possible. My dear-
[page 6]
est father farewell – may
heaven bless you & all.
Ever affly. yr. son
W. H. Perry, Jr.
P. S. Poor Genl. Griffith, he is
dead – I was about to close
when I heard it.
W. H. P.
Brig. General Richard Griffith was wounded at the battle of Savage’s Station, June 29, 1862, and died on the 30th.
For a Union soldier's account of the Seven Days Battle see the diary entries of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
Monday, June 27, 2011
1826 June 27
[Perry's letter of June 26 continues]
6 ¼ A.M. Last night our army drove
the enemy steadily before them several miles. Until
they came to a very strong position naturally & where
they (the enemy) also had strong earth works & heavy
guns mounted. There the battle raged heavily until
a quarter to nine last night, then it entirely ceased
until five minutes to four this morning – when And
there it is still raging with great violence. The
enemy being protected by a marsh & two very
large mill ponds. General Griffith says this
morning that it was A. P. Hill’s command that did
most of the fighting last night. This is not the
Hill who was with us a Leesburg., but a Virginian..
He also says Jackson has not yet struck a blow.
But is held in reserve with twenty two thousand men.
This body of Jackson’s I believe is equal to fifty thous-
[page 3]
sound Yankees. Various & amusing are the conjec-
tures as to whether the fire is drawing nearer or
againg going back to the left. The former indi-
cating success to us, the latter to the enemy. I
have just seen the Whig and Dispatch account they
are true in the main. Only they would convey the im-
pression that we took the last battery we charged
last night; wh: isn’t true.
7 A.M. The heavy firing of that battery has ceased
& the musketry has gradually worn around to the
right. This shows that we are again successful & the
battery is either taken or driven off – the first prob-
ably as it was of heavy guns. There is now as far
as the ear can judge almost a cessation. Around
this side of the Chy.[Chickahominy] river there is no fighting yet. One
heavy gun just opposite on this side has commenced
firing since the taking of that battery, on the eve-
my across the swamp.
10 minutes past 10 A.M. – Our lines have driven or rather ad-
vanced down the river below the white camps, which we
lookd at, half a mile. No firing has occurred
since it ceased as above mentioned. But ^ ‘our troops’ have
steadily advanced in line of battle. From this
side we could see squads of Yankees flying
in confusion. A Lieutenant of the 8th Pensylvania
crossed over this side & was taken prisoner; he
states that his enemy regiment was retreating
when last he saw it & concluded to take care of him-
[page 4]
self. Away over towards the Pamunkey we saw
clouds of smoke suddenly rise & cease as if they
were destroying powder. 15 Past eleven.
across the river some of our army is thrown two miles
below this point & no firing yet. What it means I don’t
know; but if our lines on the other side continues to
advance those of the enemy on this side will be in an
ugly fix. There is still no fight on this side. The
Examiner had not a correct account of yesterday’s
fight. It is about dusk. I was about commencing
to note to days proceeding as much well as my confined
opportunities would allow when in consequence of shells
beginning to fall in our camp we were ordered
to move camp. Reports which come in & seem true
indeed some are true I know. Say I was vastly mis-
taken as to the heavy loss which I imagined both
sides had received last night. The loss is represented
as very insignificant. (Send me some paper & an envel-
ope in your next letter I may be separated from my
knapsack as I now am). They have been fighting
or advancing on the other side of the river all day.
From the position we used the telescope at the fighting was
could be seen off to the right – We, they say, have charged
a battery there three or four times to day. No artillery was
taken yesterday save one siege gun left by the enemy.
As far as they were driven back they succeeded in
destroying every thing. A good deal of artillery & some
infantry fighting has occurred just in front of us on
this side the river this evening. No important result
[Written upside down on the top of page 4.]
that I know of, save heavy loss to some infantry. I have
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
given you an incoherent account of things just as they
occur to me. 28th. 9 A.M Accounts, official, & therefore
I suppose true represent the enemy as being completely
routed all beyond the Ch y. river. That will leave, if it be
[page 5]
true a large force, say from 30 to 50 thous-
and men (making a very rough guess)
of the enemy on this side of the Chy. river.
If the enemy beyond are completely routed,
this large force will have no means
of getting provisions or of getting away;
unless they whip our army in their
front which, have splendid fortify-
cations or unless they retreat by cut-
ting their way through our army
in the rear, wh: will I suppose take
a position near enough to the river to
have it as a barrier, If they do the first
they will not be much better off than
before they whipped us. For the most of
our army is, I think, beyond the river,
If they attempt the latter, it seems they
must be routed. Lee if things go well
will be immortal. McCellan [McClellan] probably
dropped. And if we really whip them
Virginia & my dear home free. It
seems to be true that their whole force
beyond the river, where they made a last
[page 6]
desperate stand, was very large & rein-
forced from this side, & was completely
routed including their reserve. Heaven
grant these accounts may be true! The ac-
counts, where that stand was made & which
we could see by walking a few hundred
yards, say we took at that place 32 pieces
of artillery (Probably exaggerated). This was so
far from us that we could see sheets of flame
from the infantry, but not hear a sound.
From the artillery we could only hear a rumb-
ling sound & see immense clouds of smoke
rising.
3 ½ P.M. All is quiet along here.
Jackson is I suppose in the rear of
the enemy & has possession of the R. R. Bridge
across the Pamunkey & this has cut off their
communications & retreat. Bob Knight has
been home sick, he returned to camp
a few days since, but for 4 days he has
been back close to Rd. [Richmond] with the wagons,
still indisposed. His father he tells me has
sold fifteen thousand dollars worth of clover
to the Confederacy & not one third of the clover
[Written upside down in top margin on page 6.]
is as yet exhausted. Will he not be able
if to pay for his farm if this continues?
My Dear Father all the particulars of the fight
you will learn more or less accurately from the papers
[Written upside down in the top margin on page 5.]
but they might be interesting as they seem to me. I send
mother an extract from Dispatch confirming my statement
of the local in which Mr. Wagon was killed. I send also
5 cents as a curiosity to George. My best love to all.
I send this off by the commissary this evening. Ever dear
[--] W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written upside down on the bottom of page 6.]
Jackson, Longstreet, Hill &c can’t be heard to day
but are doubtless at work.
Battle of Gaines Mill. For a Union soldier's view of this battle see the diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
6 ¼ A.M. Last night our army drove
the enemy steadily before them several miles. Until
they came to a very strong position naturally & where
they (the enemy) also had strong earth works & heavy
guns mounted. There the battle raged heavily until
a quarter to nine last night, then it entirely ceased
until five minutes to four this morning – when And
there it is still raging with great violence. The
enemy being protected by a marsh & two very
large mill ponds. General Griffith says this
morning that it was A. P. Hill’s command that did
most of the fighting last night. This is not the
Hill who was with us a Leesburg., but a Virginian..
He also says Jackson has not yet struck a blow.
But is held in reserve with twenty two thousand men.
This body of Jackson’s I believe is equal to fifty thous-
[page 3]
sound Yankees. Various & amusing are the conjec-
tures as to whether the fire is drawing nearer or
againg going back to the left. The former indi-
cating success to us, the latter to the enemy. I
have just seen the Whig and Dispatch account they
are true in the main. Only they would convey the im-
pression that we took the last battery we charged
last night; wh: isn’t true.
7 A.M. The heavy firing of that battery has ceased
& the musketry has gradually worn around to the
right. This shows that we are again successful & the
battery is either taken or driven off – the first prob-
ably as it was of heavy guns. There is now as far
as the ear can judge almost a cessation. Around
this side of the Chy.[Chickahominy] river there is no fighting yet. One
heavy gun just opposite on this side has commenced
firing since the taking of that battery, on the eve-
my across the swamp.
10 minutes past 10 A.M. – Our lines have driven or rather ad-
vanced down the river below the white camps, which we
lookd at, half a mile. No firing has occurred
since it ceased as above mentioned. But ^ ‘our troops’ have
steadily advanced in line of battle. From this
side we could see squads of Yankees flying
in confusion. A Lieutenant of the 8th Pensylvania
crossed over this side & was taken prisoner; he
states that his enemy regiment was retreating
when last he saw it & concluded to take care of him-
[page 4]
self. Away over towards the Pamunkey we saw
clouds of smoke suddenly rise & cease as if they
were destroying powder. 15 Past eleven.
across the river some of our army is thrown two miles
below this point & no firing yet. What it means I don’t
know; but if our lines on the other side continues to
advance those of the enemy on this side will be in an
ugly fix. There is still no fight on this side. The
Examiner had not a correct account of yesterday’s
fight. It is about dusk. I was about commencing
to note to days proceeding as much well as my confined
opportunities would allow when in consequence of shells
beginning to fall in our camp we were ordered
to move camp. Reports which come in & seem true
indeed some are true I know. Say I was vastly mis-
taken as to the heavy loss which I imagined both
sides had received last night. The loss is represented
as very insignificant. (Send me some paper & an envel-
ope in your next letter I may be separated from my
knapsack as I now am). They have been fighting
or advancing on the other side of the river all day.
From the position we used the telescope at the fighting was
could be seen off to the right – We, they say, have charged
a battery there three or four times to day. No artillery was
taken yesterday save one siege gun left by the enemy.
As far as they were driven back they succeeded in
destroying every thing. A good deal of artillery & some
infantry fighting has occurred just in front of us on
this side the river this evening. No important result
[Written upside down on the top of page 4.]
that I know of, save heavy loss to some infantry. I have
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
given you an incoherent account of things just as they
occur to me. 28th. 9 A.M Accounts, official, & therefore
I suppose true represent the enemy as being completely
routed all beyond the Ch y. river. That will leave, if it be
[page 5]
true a large force, say from 30 to 50 thous-
and men (making a very rough guess)
of the enemy on this side of the Chy. river.
If the enemy beyond are completely routed,
this large force will have no means
of getting provisions or of getting away;
unless they whip our army in their
front which, have splendid fortify-
cations or unless they retreat by cut-
ting their way through our army
in the rear, wh: will I suppose take
a position near enough to the river to
have it as a barrier, If they do the first
they will not be much better off than
before they whipped us. For the most of
our army is, I think, beyond the river,
If they attempt the latter, it seems they
must be routed. Lee if things go well
will be immortal. McCellan [McClellan] probably
dropped. And if we really whip them
Virginia & my dear home free. It
seems to be true that their whole force
beyond the river, where they made a last
[page 6]
desperate stand, was very large & rein-
forced from this side, & was completely
routed including their reserve. Heaven
grant these accounts may be true! The ac-
counts, where that stand was made & which
we could see by walking a few hundred
yards, say we took at that place 32 pieces
of artillery (Probably exaggerated). This was so
far from us that we could see sheets of flame
from the infantry, but not hear a sound.
From the artillery we could only hear a rumb-
ling sound & see immense clouds of smoke
rising.
3 ½ P.M. All is quiet along here.
Jackson is I suppose in the rear of
the enemy & has possession of the R. R. Bridge
across the Pamunkey & this has cut off their
communications & retreat. Bob Knight has
been home sick, he returned to camp
a few days since, but for 4 days he has
been back close to Rd. [Richmond] with the wagons,
still indisposed. His father he tells me has
sold fifteen thousand dollars worth of clover
to the Confederacy & not one third of the clover
[Written upside down in top margin on page 6.]
is as yet exhausted. Will he not be able
if to pay for his farm if this continues?
My Dear Father all the particulars of the fight
you will learn more or less accurately from the papers
[Written upside down in the top margin on page 5.]
but they might be interesting as they seem to me. I send
mother an extract from Dispatch confirming my statement
of the local in which Mr. Wagon was killed. I send also
5 cents as a curiosity to George. My best love to all.
I send this off by the commissary this evening. Ever dear
[--] W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written upside down on the bottom of page 6.]
Jackson, Longstreet, Hill &c can’t be heard to day
but are doubtless at work.
Battle of Gaines Mill. For a Union soldier's view of this battle see the diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
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